Cups, straws and plastic bags verboten from Nov. 24, sort of

Plastic bags will not be sold at convenience stores starting Nov. 24. [NEWS1]

All single-use, disposable straws and bags and paper cups will be banned in convenience stores, coffee shops and restaurants starting Nov. 24.

The Ministry of Environment said Tuesday that no fines will be imposed for a year.

"A gradual approach is required to impose the ban as plastic waste has surged since the Covid-19 pandemic and people have been used to using single-use disposables cups in franchise coffee shops," the ministry said.

"The ban on plastic bags, plastic straws and plastic stir sticks will be tentatively relaxed for a year."

Since April 1, single-use, disposable plastic cups, forks, spoons and knives have been available for take-out orders only but prohibited for those who are dining in at restaurants and cafes.

Paper cups, plastic straws and plastic stir sticks were not included in the list back then but will be added starting Nov. 24.

Plastic bags will also be banned at convenience stores and bakeries. They have been prohibited at discount marts and supermarkets larger than 165 square meters (1,776 square feet) since 2019.

Paper cups will be prohibited in cafes and restaurants.

Plastic items for cheering purposes will also be banned in sports stadiums.

Violation of these regulations will attract fines of up to 3 million won ($2,117.5), but they will not be imposed during the one-year period.

To reduce the confusion among businesses and consumers, the ministry will also be promoting a campaign that will help lead people to minimize their use of single-use, disposable bags and utensils.

This includes not showing the option for disposable goods at kiosks.

"We expect that the campaign will be an opportunity to change the perspective of people that are generous with the use of single-use, disposable cups and hope it will help reduce the actual use of these goods," said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment.

"We will diversify measures to effectively reduce the use of disposable goods and people's inconvenience."

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]